Poly-2-methoxyethylacrylate-coated cardiopulmonary bypass circuit can reduce transfusion of platelet products compared to heparin-coated circuit during aortic arch surgery

Several coating techniques for extracorporeal circulation have been developed to reduce the systemic inflammatory response during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We compared the clinical effectiveness and biocompatibility of poly-2-methoxyethylacrylate (PMEA)- and heparin-coated CPB circuits in total aortic arch replacement (TAR) with the prolonged use of the bypass technique. Twenty patients who underwent elective TAR were divided randomly into two equal groups: group P (n = 10) to use PMEA-coated circuits and group H (n = 10) to use heparin-coated circuits. Clinical outcomes, hematological variables, and acute phase inflammatory response were analyzed perioperatively. Demographic, CPB, and clinical outcome data were similar for both groups. Hemoglobin and platelet count showed similar time-course curves. However, the amount of platelet products transfused intraoperatively was significantly larger in group H (group P 26.0 ± 7.0 units; group H 33.0 ± 6.7 units, p = 0.04). Total protein, and albumin levels were significantly higher in group P during and after the operation (total protein, p = 0.04; albumin, p = 0.02). The use of PMEA-coated circuit is associated with retainment of perioperative plasma proteins levels and may help to reduce transfusion of platelet products in TAR in comparison with the heparin-coated circuit.